Before the sold-out workshops, bestselling books, and global acclaim as buttercream artists, Valeri Valeriano and Christina Ong were simply two Filipinas in London, trying to turn a creative passion into something more.
Their first class had one student. But that’s how all great stories begin—quietly, and with faith.
“We didn’t let that discourage us,” Valeri shares. “We posted again. Two students signed up. Then six. Soon, every class was sold out.”
That early momentum marked the beginning of Queen of Hearts Couture Cakes, a UK-born brand by two Filipinos that would go on to rewrite the rules of buttercream art. Their style—bold, precise, and unapologetically floral—stood out in the fondant-heavy world of European cake design. But it wasn’t just the aesthetic that turned heads. It was the spirit behind it.
“We infused our Filipino heritage into every piece,” Christina explains. “The colors, the intricacy, the craftsmanship — it was a celebration of where we came from.”
Entering the UK’s competitive cake scene as self-taught Filipinas, they knew they had to do more than decorate well. They had to stand out. “From the beginning, our branding had to be bold. Clear. Confident,” says Christina. “We weren’t just making cakes. We were building something new.”
Their turning point came at Cake International, one of the world’s most respected cake artistry events. It was a test of everything they’d built.
“The audience could have loved us or completely rejected us,” Valeri recalls. “But they embraced our work and that changed everything.”
Teaching with Warmth and a Filipino Heart
What followed was a whirlwind of international workshops—from the UK to Europe, the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East. Valeri and Christina shared their buttercream techniques with students from every corner of the globe. Classes filled up quickly. Their books found homes in kitchens worldwide, and their designs became instantly recognizable.
But for Christina and Valeri, what truly set them apart was how they taught. “Our teaching style reflects Filipino values,” Christina says. “We’re warm. Patient. Encouraging. And students feel that.”
They don’t just teach technique—they create space and mentor. “We teach the way we were raised,” she adds. “We bring diskarte, pasensiya, and joy into every class—that’s what makes it Filipino.”
Creativity, for them, comes from staying curious. “We don’t repeat designs,” Christina says. “Inspiration can come from fabric, a painting, even a feeling. We always want our cakes to say something new.”
For Filipino creatives with global aspirations, their advice is clear:
“You have to work twice as hard. Keep learning. Keep innovating. And always — Be kind.”
Because in the end, they say, it’s not just about talent. It’s about how you treat people and what you stand for when no one is watching.
The Return That Changed Everything
In December 2023, they made what seemed like a small decision: to stay longer in the Philippines and spend time with family. They were supposed to return to London. But something shifted.
“We didn’t plan any of it,” Christina says. “But the momentum kept growing. It felt like we were being called to stay.”
That choice became a turning point. Local companies reached out. Collaborations grew. New projects took shape. What began as a pause became a new chapter anchored on purpose. Being home changed everything. Creatively, it pushed them to explore new recipes and ideas. Emotionally, it brought them back to roots they hadn’t felt in years.
“It made us whole and it reminded us why we do what we do,” Valeri says. “We didn’t just come home to rest. We came home to build and to heal,” she adds.
Building Platforms, Not Just Cakes
With momentum rising, Valeri and Christina wanted to build something larger than themselves. That vision grew into Cake Fiesta Manila—now the Philippines’ biggest cake-decorating and baking expo—backed by a strategic partnership with WOFEX. The Drinks, Bakes & Cake Fiesta Manila is scheduled for February 25–27, 2026, at the World Trade Center.
“Our collaboration with WOFEX is deeply meaningful,” Valeri says. “They didn’t just give us a venue. They believed in our team, our mission, and the community we wanted to serve.”
WOFEX gave Cake Fiesta Manila more than scale. It gave it roots. What they once thought would take years unfolded in months. With newfound support, they could dream bigger and deliver.
“To be part of the WOFEX family feels like a full-circle moment. They didn’t just support the event. They supported us — a small team with a big dream,” says Christina.
“They backed the dream. That kind of trust is rare. It’s what gave us the confidence to stay,” Valeri adds.
Together, they built a space where bakers—whether home-based or professional—could learn, connect, and shine. It wasn’t just a show. It became a movement powered by galing, pakikisama, and shared pride.
“We provide the stage,” Valeri says. “All you have to do is perform.”
Craft as Advocacy
As they travel across the country, Valeri and Christina are reshaping how people see cake artistry.
“Every baker has heard it, ‘Ang mahal naman, cake lang naman yan,’ ” Valeri says. “But it’s not just cake. It’s time. Skill. Heart.”
They want more people to see cake design as not just a service but a craft. A profession worthy of respect. Their dream of opening a school has since evolved. Instead of anchoring to one space, they bring their workshops across the Philippines.
“This way, we reach more people,” Christina explains. “And keep the craft accessible.”
In every class, they advocate not just for buttercream but for dignity. For seeing creative work as serious, sustaining, and sacred.
A Journey in Tiers
When asked what their journey would look like as a cake, the answer comes easily: bold, colorful, full of life.
“Each tier would tell a story,” Christina says. “Each detail would show the joy, pain, and passion we’ve poured into this craft.”
From a one-student class in London to full halls in Manila, their story isn’t just about buttercream. It’s about belief. That two Filipinas could rise, be seen, and make space for others to shine. And now, with the support of WOFEX and a growing creative community, they’re not just decorating cakes. They’re building a legacy that tastes and feels like home.
WOFEX Philippines 2025 runs August 6 to 9 at the World Trade Center and SMX Convention Center Manila. Shuttle services are available between venues. Register now at www.wofex.com
More WOFEX Stories from Simpol.ph
WOFEX at 25: Joel Pascual’s Room of Possibility
Visit WOFEX 2025: The Biggest Food and Beverage Trade Show in the Philippines
Start Small, Show Up Big: Here’s How WOFEX Changed These F&B Brands
Success at Trade Shows Starts in the Regions: How WOFEX Brings Business Home
What cake changed your sweet life? Share your favorite cake memory at the comment section below, and tag someone whose baking inspires you.
